Bafana Bafana lose Mokoena and Modiba for Eritrea qualifier

Bafana Bafana will be without Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba for Wednesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea in Cairo after both Mamelodi Sundowns players were ruled out with injuries.

The pair have not trained since arriving in Egypt following Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

Modiba was forced to leave the field in the second half after suffering an injury, while Mokoena continued despite discomfort during the closing stages as Bafana Bafana held on for victory.

Head coach Pitso Mosimane said Mokoena had wanted to stay on the pitch because all of the team’s substitutions had already been used.

“Mokoena was pulling that leg with a few minutes to go, and he gave us everything to finish the game,” said Mosimane.

Scans carried out after the team arrived in Cairo confirmed that both players are injured, ruling them out of Bafana Bafana’s second Group D qualifier.

“Aubrey is not available; Teboho is not available. They haven’t trained since we came. The doctor took them for scans, and the scans, in a nutshell, showed that they are injured, and we can’t use them,” Mosimane said.

Their absence leaves Mosimane without two established internationals as South Africa attempt to maintain the winning momentum from their opening match of the campaign.

Samukele Kabini, who scored the decisive goal against Guinea, is an option to fill in at left-back in Modiba’s absence.

Bathusi Aubaas and Sphephelo Sithole could replace Mokoena in midfield, while Relebohile Mofokeng may be used in a more advanced role.

Mosimane acknowledged the significance of losing the two players but said their injuries left him with no alternative.

“Who would not use the players who have helped us to be where we are at this point in time? Unfortunately, they will not be available,” he said.

Both Mokoena and Modiba have stayed with the squad while receiving treatment. However, their involvement in Sunday’s friendly against Egypt is also considered highly unlikely.

“It’s good they are here; they are resting, and we can get them right,” Mosimane added.

“I don’t know if they’ll make the next match, but according to the doctors, the chances are very minimal that they can make it against Egypt. But this one, definitely, they will miss.”

Bafana Bafana will play Eritrea at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday, with kick-off set for 6pm South African time.